nk you would. Pardon me. I quite agree with the philosopher who
asserted that the wisdom of the past was an imposture, that the meanest
intellect now living is wiser than the greatest intellect which is
buried in Pere la Chaise; because the dwarf who follows the giant, when
perched on the shoulders of the giant, sees farther than the giant ever
could. Allez. I go in for your generation. I abandon Guizot and Thiers.
Do condescend and explain to my dull understanding, as the inferior
mortal of a former age, what are the grand emotions which impel a
soul of fire in your wiser generation. The thirst of excitement--what
excitement? The goads of ambition--what ambition?"

"A new social system is struggling from the dissolving elements of the
old one, as, in the fables of priestcraft, the soul frees itself from
the body which has become ripe for the grave. Of that new system I
aspire to be a champion--a leader. Behold the excitement that allures
me, the ambition that goads."

"Thank you," said Savarin, meekly; "I am answered. I recognise the dwarf
perched on the back of the giant. Quitting these lofty themes, I venture
to address to you now one simple matter-of-fact question: How about
Mademoiselle Cicogna? Do you think you can induce her to transplant
herself to the new social system, which I presume will abolish, among
other obsolete myths, the institution of marriage?"

"M. Savarin, your question offends me. Theoretically I am opposed to the
existing superstitions that encumber the very simple principle by
which may be united two persons so long as they desire the union, and
separated so soon as the union becomes distasteful to either. But I
am perfectly aware that such theories would revolt a young lady like
Mademoiselle Cicogna. I have never even named them to her, and our
engagement holds good."

"Engagement of marriage? No period for the ceremony fixed?"

"That is not my fault. I urged it on Isaura with all earnestness before
I left my father's house."

"That was long after the siege had begun. Listen to me, Gustave. No
persuasion of mine or my wife's, nor Mrs. Morley's, could induce Isaura
to quit Paris while it was yet time. She said very simply that, having
pledged her truth and hand to you, it would be treason to honour and
duty if she should allow any considerations for herself to be even
discussed so long as you needed her presence. You were then still
suffering, and, though convalescent, not without danger